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T
he groundbreaking KONE
NanoSpace™ is a machine-
room-less elevator full-
replacement solution. Both
the equipment and pro-
cesses have been designed to offer the
industry’s shortest downtime.
“Now, we can replace an old eleva-
tor with a modern one in as little as two
weeks compared to the industry aver-
age of six,” says
Samu Salmelin
, who
heads one of KONE's global R&D units.
But how do you go from six weeks
to two weeks? Salmelin explains: “The
answer lies with a combination of new
innovative technology, optimized in-
stallability, and a streamlined planning
process. In addition, KONE NanoSpace
offers maximized space efficiency, best-
in-class ride comfort, and excellent
eco-efficiency.”
More space, same shaft
KONE’s latest innovation is well-suited
for old residential buildings with small
elevator shafts – which there are many
in Europe. “What’s great about KONE
NanoSpace is that it provides up to 50
percent more space inside the elevator
compared to the current solution, with
no changes to the shaft.”
This is made possible by a highly
compact design and the new KONE
HybridHoisting™ system, which com-
bines belt and rope technologies in a
completely new way – the belt moves
the elevator and the ropes suspend the
car in the shaft.
Thin balancing weights, smaller
pulleys, and compact safety devices
add up to more space for a larger car.
“In practice, this means that where
there used to be an elevator for four
people, the new elevator can carry
as much as six passengers. A more
spacious car with wide opening four-
panel doors improves accessibility
and makes it easier to transport baby
strollers, wheelchairs, furniture, and
other large objects,” says Salmelin.
Modernization boosts
eco-efficiency
The new energy-efficient hoisting
system requires less energy to move
the elevator. “We’ve introduced a new
way of managing friction. The system
Text
Hanna Rutanen
Photos
and
illustration
KONE
Modernizing an elevator
might seem like a huge
inconvenience to residents,
especially for those living
on the upper floors of a
multi-level building. A non-
functioning elevator means
disruption to routine. With
KONE’s new modernization
solution, this is not the
case anymore.
Setting benchmarks
for
years to come
Samu Salmelin heads one of KONE’s global R&D units.
innovation
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